Coping with Weather Extremes on the Water
There isn’t much we can do to prevent severe weather conditions, but with common sense and a little due diligence we can spare ourselves the consequences of venturing out when it is against our best interest. Fishing Expert James Dill shares with us some tips and suggestions to help any angler cope with weather extremes while out on the water.
Check the Weather Often
Dill said he checks the weather forecast every day before he goes out; and every hour when he is on the water. “Staying ahead of the weather, and planning your time and location on the water accordingly, is your best precaution,” Dill said. “When I’m on the water, I always look at the forecast on an hourly basis as well as checking the radar. That way if there is a threat of severe weather, I can take the necessary precautions to protect myself, including getting off the water before conditions change.”
Still, even the most experienced anglers can be caught off guard by a wicked weather pattern, and it’s important to know the steps you can take to get back to the shore without risking injury to your boat or yourself.
Rain and Lightning
Severe storms are the most common inclement weather conditions that boaters encounter on the Lake of the Ozarks. While most anglers feel they are prepared for pelting rain, we have a few suggestions you might have missed.
Be sure that you have good rain gear in your boat at all times. When you are purchasing rain gear be sure that it is waterproof–not water-resistant. Water-resistant rain gear has a tendency to get saturated quickly in heavy or sustained rains.
Dill recommends keeping your rain gear in a waterproof bag such as a trash bag. In addition, be sure to have rain gear suitable for the air temperatures; there is light weight, medium weight and heavy weight rain gear on the market that in addition to keeping you dry, will also keep you warm. When it comes to maintaining your rain gear, Dill suggested following the old adage of “saving for a rainy day” – literally.
“The seams of rain gear can break down over the course of years from fishing, stretching, running, washing and drying, etc., so save it for when you really need it,” Dill said. “You should also check your gear thoroughly every few years to be sure it is still water-resistant and that the seams have not broken down.”
Heavy rain can also cause visibility issues; therefore, Dill recommends activating your running lights so that you can be seen by other boats. Take extra care to slow down when you are running or simply stay put in a cove until visibility improves. If you do need to make a run, protect your face from the stinging rain with protective face gear such as a helmet, face shield or balaclava. Goggles or another type of eye protection are a must.
When thunderstorms, lightning or hail are forecast the best prevention is to stay off the water. However, if you are on the water when a storm hits. Dill recommends you take refuge under the cover of a nearby dock or bridge.
Fog
Fog can be the most dangerous weather condition that anglers encounter because it significantly reduces your ability to see other boats, wave breaks, docks or even the single fisherman sitting in the middle of a channel or fishing on a bank. Your best bet is to treat fog just as you would a thunderstorm–stay off the water until the fog clears.
Tournament directors will often delay the take-off of a tournament until they feel it is safe for the anglers to run. However, while the take-off area may seem clear, other areas of the lake may still be heavy with fog. Instead of heading into the fog, pull into a cove and start to fish until the fog has lifted before you make a longer run. Also, be mindful of other tournament anglers taking off from different areas of the lake. It can be a recipe for a head-on disaster if you cross paths in thick fog. There are only two speeds in fog – slow or stop.
Dill stresses that even when you’re on the water – you should never lose sight of the land. The shoreline can be a valuable navigational reference point if you lose your way. GPS systems do a good job of showing the lake on a map, but they don’t always show the docks, wave breaks, lake debris, or steel sign buoys; all of which are dangerous hazards when trying to run in the fog.
Sleet and Snow
Sleet and snow can also be very hazardous. Wearing strong soled boots with good traction to prevent slipping in the boat on the snow or sleet. Also, snow and sleet can and will freeze your compartments, perhaps risking getting to warmer clothes or an emergency kit. James suggest that when there is forecasted winter precipitation to crack open the compartment lids on your boat to prevent them from freezing shut when your boat is not in use. He also suggests that after a snow or ice event to be mindful of melting snow and icicles that may slide off the roof of docks in an area that you are fishing.
Cold Winter Weather
Whether there is the threat of precipitation of not, being on the water in the winter is cold and can be risky. James suggest that keeping your body warm should be your first priority. Hand warmers and body warmers can help you stay warm. James suggest that in addition to putting toe warmers in your boots and pockets, that wrapping hand warmers with gauze on your brachial artery on your arm and your femoral artery of your leg will help to keep your entire body warm as these are two main arteries that carry your blood throughout your body.
He also suggests that hand warmers on your neck and shoulder area, inside of your running gloves and on your wrist will also help to keep you warm. James suggests to pay special attention to protecting your body from the wind and wetness. He suggests loose, breathable clothing and footwear to keep sweat and cold from being trapped against your body which can rapidly decrease your body temperature. There are also battery powered coiled warming vests on the market that will help to keep your body warm.
James also suggests that you keep a full extra set of clothes in the boat in case you actually fall into the water. James says to keep those spare clothes in a plastic bag, like a trash bag to prevent from accidentally getting wet. He suggests that the extra clothes should be loose fitting like a pair sweatpants and sweatshirt so that you can change your clothing quickly before you drive your boat to safety. In addition to sweats, be sure to have socks, shoes, gloves and a hat as well as additional hand/body warmers.
Emergency Situations
In any emergency communication is key, but that can be challenging when the emergency happens on the water. For this reason, Dill advices anglers to always ensure your cellphone is fully-charged and in working order before you leave the dock. And in the event of a boat accident or emergency, do all you can to keep your phone dry and functioning.
If you cannot make a phone call the use of the horn on your boat is another tool you have to signal an emergency. Three long horn sounds in succession is the signal of distress and three response sounds in succession are a signal of someone responding to your distress call. Sound signals are also used to signal your distress to other boaters during an emergency. The ‘S.O.S.’ emergency sound signal is three prolonged whistle blasts—then three short blasts—then three prolonged blasts—then pause and repeat.
Finally, knowing where you are on the lake is vital to enabling a rapid response. Giving 911 an exact address helps them identify the emergency service district closest to your location and in turn, they can pinpoint your whereabouts for emergency responders. Fortunately, all docks at the Lake of the Ozarks are required to have their address posted on the lake-facing side.
Join Bassing Bob
For more helpful information from our expert anglers, join Bassing Bob today! We offer information packed articles, publications, videos and more! This will give you better insight into the areas to fish, the best bait to use, and tips to help you catch more whoppers like a Pro. If you’re not a member with Bassing Bob yet, what are you waiting for? We offer different types of memberships to fit everyone’s needs. Check out our website to learn more. Happy Fishing!
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Check the Weather Often
Dill said he checks the weather forecast every day before he goes out; and every hour when he is on the water. “Staying ahead of the weather, and planning your time and location on the water accordingly, is your best precaution,” Dill said. “When I’m on the water, I always look at the forecast on an hourly basis as well as checking the radar. That way if there is a threat of severe weather, I can take the necessary precautions to protect myself, including getting off the water before conditions change.”
Still, even the most experienced anglers can be caught off guard by a wicked weather pattern, and it’s important to know the steps you can take to get back to the shore without risking injury to your boat or yourself.
Rain and Lightning
Severe storms are the most common inclement weather conditions that boaters encounter on the Lake of the Ozarks. While most anglers feel they are prepared for pelting rain, we have a few suggestions you might have missed.
Be sure that you have good rain gear in your boat at all times. When you are purchasing rain gear be sure that it is waterproof–not water-resistant. Water-resistant rain gear has a tendency to get saturated quickly in heavy or sustained rains.
Dill recommends keeping your rain gear in a waterproof bag such as a trash bag. In addition, be sure to have rain gear suitable for the air temperatures; there is light weight, medium weight and heavy weight rain gear on the market that in addition to keeping you dry, will also keep you warm. When it comes to maintaining your rain gear, Dill suggested following the old adage of “saving for a rainy day” – literally.
“The seams of rain gear can break down over the course of years from fishing, stretching, running, washing and drying, etc., so save it for when you really need it,” Dill said. “You should also check your gear thoroughly every few years to be sure it is still water-resistant and that the seams have not broken down.”
Heavy rain can also cause visibility issues; therefore, Dill recommends activating your running lights so that you can be seen by other boats. Take extra care to slow down when you are running or simply stay put in a cove until visibility improves. If you do need to make a run, protect your face from the stinging rain with protective face gear such as a helmet, face shield or balaclava. Goggles or another type of eye protection are a must.
When thunderstorms, lightning or hail are forecast the best prevention is to stay off the water. However, if you are on the water when a storm hits. Dill recommends you take refuge under the cover of a nearby dock or bridge.
Fog
Fog can be the most dangerous weather condition that anglers encounter because it significantly reduces your ability to see other boats, wave breaks, docks or even the single fisherman sitting in the middle of a channel or fishing on a bank. Your best bet is to treat fog just as you would a thunderstorm–stay off the water until the fog clears.
Tournament directors will often delay the take-off of a tournament until they feel it is safe for the anglers to run. However, while the take-off area may seem clear, other areas of the lake may still be heavy with fog. Instead of heading into the fog, pull into a cove and start to fish until the fog has lifted before you make a longer run. Also, be mindful of other tournament anglers taking off from different areas of the lake. It can be a recipe for a head-on disaster if you cross paths in thick fog. There are only two speeds in fog – slow or stop.
Dill stresses that even when you’re on the water – you should never lose sight of the land. The shoreline can be a valuable navigational reference point if you lose your way. GPS systems do a good job of showing the lake on a map, but they don’t always show the docks, wave breaks, lake debris, or steel sign buoys; all of which are dangerous hazards when trying to run in the fog.
Sleet and Snow
Sleet and snow can also be very hazardous. Wearing strong soled boots with good traction to prevent slipping in the boat on the snow or sleet. Also, snow and sleet can and will freeze your compartments, perhaps risking getting to warmer clothes or an emergency kit. James suggest that when there is forecasted winter precipitation to crack open the compartment lids on your boat to prevent them from freezing shut when your boat is not in use. He also suggests that after a snow or ice event to be mindful of melting snow and icicles that may slide off the roof of docks in an area that you are fishing.
Cold Winter Weather
Whether there is the threat of precipitation of not, being on the water in the winter is cold and can be risky. James suggest that keeping your body warm should be your first priority. Hand warmers and body warmers can help you stay warm. James suggest that in addition to putting toe warmers in your boots and pockets, that wrapping hand warmers with gauze on your brachial artery on your arm and your femoral artery of your leg will help to keep your entire body warm as these are two main arteries that carry your blood throughout your body.
He also suggests that hand warmers on your neck and shoulder area, inside of your running gloves and on your wrist will also help to keep you warm. James suggests to pay special attention to protecting your body from the wind and wetness. He suggests loose, breathable clothing and footwear to keep sweat and cold from being trapped against your body which can rapidly decrease your body temperature. There are also battery powered coiled warming vests on the market that will help to keep your body warm.
James also suggests that you keep a full extra set of clothes in the boat in case you actually fall into the water. James says to keep those spare clothes in a plastic bag, like a trash bag to prevent from accidentally getting wet. He suggests that the extra clothes should be loose fitting like a pair sweatpants and sweatshirt so that you can change your clothing quickly before you drive your boat to safety. In addition to sweats, be sure to have socks, shoes, gloves and a hat as well as additional hand/body warmers.
Emergency Situations
In any emergency communication is key, but that can be challenging when the emergency happens on the water. For this reason, Dill advices anglers to always ensure your cellphone is fully-charged and in working order before you leave the dock. And in the event of a boat accident or emergency, do all you can to keep your phone dry and functioning.
If you cannot make a phone call the use of the horn on your boat is another tool you have to signal an emergency. Three long horn sounds in succession is the signal of distress and three response sounds in succession are a signal of someone responding to your distress call. Sound signals are also used to signal your distress to other boaters during an emergency. The ‘S.O.S.’ emergency sound signal is three prolonged whistle blasts—then three short blasts—then three prolonged blasts—then pause and repeat.
Finally, knowing where you are on the lake is vital to enabling a rapid response. Giving 911 an exact address helps them identify the emergency service district closest to your location and in turn, they can pinpoint your whereabouts for emergency responders. Fortunately, all docks at the Lake of the Ozarks are required to have their address posted on the lake-facing side.
Join Bassing Bob
For more helpful information from our expert anglers, join Bassing Bob today! We offer information packed articles, publications, videos and more! This will give you better insight into the areas to fish, the best bait to use, and tips to help you catch more whoppers like a Pro. If you’re not a member with Bassing Bob yet, what are you waiting for? We offer different types of memberships to fit everyone’s needs. Check out our website to learn more. Happy Fishing!
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